Wade calls on Croft Park crowd to get behind Blyth Spartans

Mark Carruthers

Now he has urged the Green Army to get behind their side as they face three home games in seven days this week.

Michael Richardson’s 70th minute header gave Spartans three points in a tricky fixture at Dales Lane, and Wade immediately turned his attention to a week that sees Ramsbottom United, Stamford and Ilkeston make the trip to Croft Park.

He said: “If we could get the Coventry and Cannock lads to Croft Park every week and recreate that positivity that they give us it would be ideal.

“They really pulled the lads through and it was non-stop.

“The lads reacted and we were excellent, we were combative and our strength helped us win the midfield battle.

“Our home crowd are brilliant and they really help us, but we need them to stay with us and stay positive over the next week, in what is a big week.

“We have lost Nathan Buddle and now Peter Jeffries with an injury, and they are two big players for us.

“So we need the Croft Park crowd to be our 12th man and get right behind the lads because this is a massive week and we need to kick on.”

Jeffries’ broken thumb meant Wade had to hand a debut to recent addition Nick Thomson, and the former Boston University student produced a solid display in goal for Spartans, making three vital stops, including one in the closing stages as he denied Chris Lait when the Pics winger was through on goal.

The Spartans manager paid tribute to the young keeper.

“Nick has come in and made his debut in extremely difficult circumstances,” said Wade.

“We don’t have a great recent record at Rushall, they’re a very good side, and the pitch wasn’t ideal for either keeper. However, despite having a lot to contend, with Nick was exceptional, he did what he had to do and did it well.

“The lads seem to like him and he is fitting into the group very quickly, which is great to see.”

Another player who Wade picked out for praise was match-winner Michael Richardson.

The midfielder scored his third goal for the club to ensure that his side took all three points and extended the unbeaten run to seven games.

The goal left his manager expressing his hopes that the former Newcastle United academy player would gain confidence from his strike.

He said: “We needed to move forward and have someone closer to Dan Maguire.

“It was Lee Picton’s suggestion that we try Michael and it worked very well.

“He took us forward and he drove us on, then he got the goal and we hope that will do him the world of good.

“It should give him the confidence he needs and hopefully he will kick on.”